Shock-absorber for the handle-bars of motor-cycles.



J. P. MAcLEAN.

SHOCK ABSORBER FOR THE HANDLE BARS 0F MOTOR CYCLES.

APPLICATlON FlLED 1AN.23. 1915.

1,156,420. L Patented Oct. 12, 1915.

IHHHIILI vv COLUMBIA PLANDGRAPH 20.. WASHINGTON, D. C.

JoHN rnncr MAC EAN, or HAMILTON, NEW scorn warns, AUSTRALIA.

sI-rccK .aBsonB1in roe THE HANDLE-BARS or MOTOR-CYCLES.

intense.

Specification of Letters Patent. P t t d m 12, 1 5,

Application filed January 23,1915. Serial No. 3,890.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that l, Jenn PERCY vMao- LEAN, subject of the King of Great Britain and Ireland, residing at Veda street, Hamilton, New South Wales, Australia, have invented new and useful Improvements in Shock-Absorbers for the Handle-Bars of Motor-Cycles, of which the following is a specification.

This invention aims at placing shock absorbing media of an improved type between the stem or steering shaft and the handle bars of bicycles, motor cycles, and the like.

In giving effect to the invention the top end of the stem or steering shafthas been provided with a rearward extension to form a tiller; the tiller piece may also be extended forward and upward to constitute a bracket the forward end of which will be the pivot or fulcrum point upon which resilient appliances (to which the handle bar will be attached) may freely work. To the fulcrum point will be pivoted a rectangular frame within which will be mounted two horizontal rods upon which will float-a transverse platform that will be maintained in a central position by helical springs on the horizontal rods. The platform willbe provided with a socket in which will be adjustably secured (what may be called) a disconnected continuation of. the stem or steering shaft, and it will be to this continuation that the handle bar will besecured. The rear ends of. the rectangular frame and of the tiller extension will be connected together by resilient means adapted to absorb a vertical shock; But in order that the invention may be properly understood reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying sheet of drawings, in which Figure 1, is a side elevation of the apparatus, with one side-of the rectangular frame removed, in order to show the parts behind. Fig. 2,is a plan of the same. Fig. 3, is an end view of the same, from the rear side. Fig. 4, is a sectional plan of part of Fig. 3, taken on the line 1-2 of the same. Fig. 5, .is a plan view of the combined tillerbracket separated from the other parts.

A is the stem or steering shaft to the top end of which the combined tiller-bracket 13-6 is secured, by set screw or otherwise. The rear end B of the appliance B -O will project toward the rear of the steering shaft A and will constitutea tiller; the front end C of the appliance will project toward the front of the steering shaft A and will form a bracket C the forward end of which will constitute a fulcrum point 0 to which the rectangular frame D will be pivoted, so as to be adapted to rock thereon. Within the frame D are two horizontal rods E, F, and at or near the center of the two. rods is placed the transverse socket platform G which will be maintained in its central position by the helical springs in one direction and the springs'H, J, operating in the opposite direction. In the platform G, is a socket K adapted toreceive the disconnected continuation L of the steering shaft A; to the upper end ofthe part L, the handle bar M will be secured in any suitable manner.

The rear end of the rectangular frame D will be provided with a tail piece N in the underside of which is a recess; the head of a downwardly projecting plate 0 will fit into this recess, the head forming a shoulder and providing a bearing surface for the top end of a helical spring P. The plate 0 will lie between the forks at the end of the tiller B and will be maintained in posi-. tion by a set screw or transverse stud Q, that will ride in a slot it formed in the plate 0. Two cheeks S will project downward from the sides of the tail N, each cheek having a small flange at its bottom end to provide a bearing surfacefor the lower end of the helical spring P. The helical spring P will be wound around the cheeks S, the plate 0 will bear upon the flanges of the cheeks S at the bottom and against the shoulder under the head of the plate 0.

The function of the spring P will be to .absorb vertical shock transmitted fromthe steering shaft A, but the means adopted are only one. application of mechanical appliances to the same end. The springs upon the rods E, F, will absorb horizontal shock transmitted from the steering shaft A.

I claim- 1. In a cycle, the combination with the steering stem and the handle bar, ofatiller bracket carried by the steering stem, a frame pivoted to the bracket, a floating socket for the handle bar mounted within the frame, and resilient means for maintaining the'said socket centrally within the frame.

2. In a cycle, steering stem and the handle bar, ofatiller bracket carried by the said stem, avertically movable frame pivoted to the bracket, a floating socket for the handle bar mounted withinthe frame for horizontal movement, resilient means for maintaining the said socket centrally within the frame, and re- Copies of this patent may be obtained for the combination with the silient means connecting the frame with the bracket for resisting and cushioning vertical movement of the former.

In testimony whereof I have signed my 15 name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN PERCY MAOLEAN.

Witnesses:

E. W. PATON, T. J. HALCROW.

five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0. 

